They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither safety nor liberty.
-Benjamin Franklin

I Want to Save a Child's Sight!

Sunday, November 21, 2004

Stem-Cells

Never has something so tiny caused so much controversy. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has introduced a $750 million plan for a biotechnology research institute on the UW-Madison campus. This research institute would allow Wisconsin to compete with California, who just passed a $3 billion (over 10 years) public funding bill to support stem-cell research. But, this measure might not gain support in the Wisconsin Legislature (R-controlled) because of moral concerns. What?
"Embryonic stem cells are master cells that can form any tissue or organ in the body and may hold the cures for spinal cord injuries, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other illnesses. Adult stem-cells are less "plastic," meaning they can only become cells of the tissue from which they were taken, such as the brain or blood vessels." [JS]
These embryonic stem-cells can be harvested from fertility clinics as an alternative. As a sufferer of Type I Diabetes (insulin-dependent), this is extremely important to me. This could provide millions of sufferers of Diabetes, Alzheimer's, spinal injuries, a chance at a cure...a more normal life. But because of concerns over what it might do to a clump of cells, it might not be passed. This would also create jobs, boost the economy of Wisconsin, and stop some of the "brain drain" of talented Wisconsin college students leaving for other places where they can do some of this research. [Gov Doyle]
Everyone that is reading this has been, or will be affected by one of these serious illnesses. I urge everyone to really think about what effect this could have to millions of people. We are just starting to unlock the potential of embryonic stem-cells. Write your Wisconsin Legislator and tell them to please support this measure from Governor Jim Doyle. [WI Legislature]